U.S. patent application number 16/517925 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-07 for portable electric power hub with ac power receptacles and usb charging ports.
The applicant listed for this patent is Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bernard Bensussan, Michael O'Keefe, Kelly Rahner.
Application Number | 20190341730 16/517925 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67394160 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190341730 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rahner; Kelly ; et
al. |
November 7, 2019 |
Portable Electric Power Hub With AC Power Receptacles And USB
Charging Ports
Abstract
A portable electric power hub comprises a housing that includes
a base section having a perimeter that is defined by a plurality of
straight edges that are joined by a first plurality of rounded
corners. The portable electric power hub further includes an
intermediate section that includes a plurality of sides that are
joined together by a second plurality of rounded corners. Each side
of the intermediate section is adjacent to and aligned with a
corresponding one of the plurality of straight edges of the base
section and each of the second plurality of rounded corners is
adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the first
plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub
further includes an upper section including a plurality of
angulated sides joined by a third plurality of rounded corners.
Each angulated side is adjacent to and angulated with respect to a
corresponding one of the plurality of sides of the intermediate
section and each of the third plurality or rounded corners is
adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the second
plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub
further includes at least one electric power receptacle positioned
on the housing.
Inventors: |
Rahner; Kelly; (Mohegan
Lakes, NY) ; O'Keefe; Michael; (Wethersfield, CT)
; Bensussan; Bernard; (Stratford, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc. |
Shelton |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67394160 |
Appl. No.: |
16/517925 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15680098 |
Aug 17, 2017 |
10367317 |
|
|
16517925 |
|
|
|
|
62518541 |
Jun 12, 2017 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20130101; H01R
27/02 20130101; H01R 24/78 20130101; H01R 25/003 20130101; H01R
13/506 20130101; H01R 25/006 20130101; H01R 2103/00 20130101; H02J
7/0042 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 27/02 20060101
H01R027/02; H01R 13/506 20060101 H01R013/506; H01R 25/00 20060101
H01R025/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A portable electric power hub for placement on a work surface,
comprising: a housing including: a base section having a perimeter
that is defined by a plurality of straight edges joined by a first
plurality of rounded corners, an intermediate section including a
plurality of vertically oriented sides that are joined together by
a second plurality of rounded corners, wherein each vertically
oriented side of the intermediate section is adjacent to and
aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of straight edges
of the base section and wherein each of the second plurality of
rounded corners is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one
of the first plurality of rounded corners, wherein the vertically
oriented sides are perpendicular to a work surface when the
portable electric power hub is placed on such work surface, wherein
one of the vertically oriented sides includes at least one USB port
access-opening that is configured to receive a USB male connector,
the intermediate section further comprising a top side, a bottom
side and an electrical circuit board cover structure attached to
the top side and having a plurality of air vents; an upper section
including a plurality of angulated sides joined by a third
plurality of rounded corners, wherein each angulated side is
adjacent to and angulated inward with respect to a corresponding
one of the plurality of vertically oriented sides of the
intermediate section and wherein each of the third plurality of
rounded corners is adjacent and aligned with a corresponding one of
the second plurality of rounded corners; and an electrical circuit
attached to the bottom side of the intermediate section and
comprising an electrical circuit board positioned under the
electrical circuit board cover structure and a USB female port
electrically coupled to the electrical circuit board and aligned
with the USB port access-opening, wherein the electrical circuit
converts AC electric power to DC electric power suitable for
charging wireless devices and provides the DC electric power to the
USB female port and wherein heat generated by the electrical
circuit board passes through the air vents.
22. The portable electric power hub according to claim 21 wherein
the electrical circuit board cover structure includes at least one
through-hole for receiving electrical wires.
23. The portable electric power hub according to claim 21 wherein
the electrical circuit board cover structure includes a top side
and a bottom side that confronts the electrical circuit board and
wherein the portable electrical power hub further comprises: an
electrical wire terminal retainer attached to the top side of the
electrical circuit board cover structure; and an electrical wire
retainer secured to the electrical wire terminal retainer.
24. The portable electrical power hub according to claim 21 wherein
said at least one USB port access-opening comprises a pair of USB
port access-openings and the electrical circuit includes a pair of
USB female ports electrically coupled to the electrical circuit
board, wherein each USB female port is aligned with a corresponding
USB port access-opening in said one of said vertically oriented
sides.
25. The portable electric power hub according to claim 21 wherein
the electrical circuit cover board cover structures extends
radially from a center of the intermediate section.
26. The portable electric power hub according to claim 21 wherein
the electrical circuit cover board cover structure is substantially
parallel to the vertically oriented side having the USB port
access-opening.
27. The portable electric power hub according to claim 21 further
comprising an electrical power cable for providing AC electrical
power to the electrical circuit, wherein the electrical power cable
is adapted to be connected to a source of electrical power.
28. The portable electric power hub according to claim 27 further
comprising an AC electric power receptacle removably attached to
one of the angulated sides and coupled to the AC electrical
power.
29. A portable electric power hub for placement on a work surface,
comprising: a housing including: a base section having a perimeter
that is defined by a plurality of straight edges joined by a first
plurality of rounded corners; an intermediate section including a
plurality of vertically oriented sides that are joined together by
a second plurality of rounded corners, wherein each vertically
oriented side of the intermediate section is adjacent to and
aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of straight edges
of the base section and wherein each of the second plurality of
rounded corners is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one
of the first plurality of rounded corners, wherein the vertically
oriented sides are perpendicular to a work surface when the
portable electric power hub is placed on such work surface, wherein
every other vertically oriented side includes at least one USB port
access-opening that is configured to receive a USB male connector,
the intermediate section further comprising a top side and a bottom
side, wherein the top side of the intermediate section has a
center, the intermediate section further comprising three
electrical circuit board cover structures attached to the top side
and extending radially from the center, each electrical circuit
board cover structure including a plurality of air vents; an upper
section including a plurality of angulated sides joined by a third
plurality of rounded corners, wherein each angulated side is
adjacent to and angulated inward with respect to a corresponding
one of the plurality of vertically oriented sides of the
intermediate section and wherein each of the third plurality of
rounded corners is adjacent and aligned with a corresponding one of
the second plurality of rounded corners; and a plurality of
electrical circuits attached to the bottom side of the intermediate
section, each electrical circuit comprising an electrical circuit
board that is positioned under a corresponding electrical circuit
board cover structure, each electrical circuit further comprising a
USB female port that is electrically coupled to the electrical
circuit board and aligned with a corresponding USB port
access-opening, wherein each electrical circuit converts AC
electric power to DC electric power suitable for charging wireless
devices and provides the DC electric power to the USB female port
and wherein heat generated by the electrical circuit board passes
through the air vents.
30. The portable electric power hub according to claim 29 wherein
each electrical circuit board cover structure includes at least one
through-hole for receiving electrical wires.
31. The portable electric power hub according to claim 29 wherein
each electrical circuit board cover structure includes a top side
and a bottom side that confronts the electrical circuit board and
wherein the portable electrical power hub further comprises: a
plurality of electrical wire terminal retainers, each of which
being attached to the top side of a corresponding electrical
circuit board cover structure; and a plurality of electrical wire
retainers, each of which being secured to a corresponding
electrical wire terminal retainer.
32. The portable electrical power hub according to claim 29 wherein
said every other vertically oriented side includes a pair of USB
port access-openings and each electrical circuit includes a pair of
USB female ports electrically coupled to the electrical circuit
board and wherein each USB female port is aligned with a
corresponding USB port access-opening.
33. A portable electric power hub for placement on a work surface,
comprising: a housing including: a base section having a perimeter
that is defined by a plurality of straight edges joined by a first
plurality of rounded corners; an intermediate section including a
plurality of vertically oriented sides that are joined together by
a second plurality of rounded corners, wherein each vertically
oriented side of the intermediate section is adjacent to and
aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of straight edges
of the base section and wherein each of the second plurality of
rounded corners is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one
of the first plurality of rounded corners, wherein the vertically
oriented sides are perpendicular to a work surface when the
portable electric power hub is placed on such work surface, wherein
every other vertically oriented side includes at least one USB port
access-opening that is configured to receive a USB male connector,
the intermediate section further comprising a top side, a bottom
side and three electrical circuit board cover structures attached
to the top side of the intermediate section, each electrical
circuit board cover structure being substantially parallel to a
corresponding vertically oriented side having a USB port
access-opening, each electrical circuit board cover structure
including a plurality of air vents; an upper section including a
plurality of angulated sides joined by a third plurality of rounded
corners, wherein each angulated side is adjacent to and angulated
inward with respect to a corresponding one of the plurality of
vertically oriented sides of the intermediate section and wherein
each of the third plurality of rounded corners is adjacent and
aligned with a corresponding one of the second plurality of rounded
corners; and a plurality of electrical circuits attached to the
bottom side of the intermediate section, each electrical circuit
comprising an electrical circuit board that is positioned under a
corresponding electrical circuit board cover structure, each
electrical circuit further comprising a USB female port that is
electrically coupled to the electrical circuit board and aligned
with a corresponding USB port access-opening, wherein each
electrical circuit converts AC electric power to DC electric power
suitable for charging wireless devices and provides the DC electric
power to the USB female port and wherein heat generated by the
electrical circuit board passes through the air vents.
34. The portable electric power hub according to claim 33 wherein
each electrical circuit board cover structure includes at least one
through-hole for receiving electrical wires.
35. The portable electric power hub according to claim 33 wherein
each electrical circuit board cover structure includes a top side
and a bottom side that confronts the electrical circuit board and
wherein the portable electrical power hub further comprises: a
plurality of electrical wire terminal retainers, each of which
being attached to the top side of a corresponding electrical
circuit board cover structure; and a plurality of electrical wire
retainers, each of which being secured to a corresponding
electrical wire terminal retainer.
36. The portable electrical power hub according to claim 33 wherein
said at least one USB port access-opening comprises a pair of USB
port access-openings and each electrical circuit comprises a pair
of USB female ports electrically coupled to the electrical circuit
board and wherein each USB female port is aligned with a
corresponding USB port access-opening.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. application No.
62/518,541, filed Jun. 12, 2017.
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST
[0002] Not Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a portable electric power
hub for use on work surfaces such as conference tables, desks,
workstations and work benches.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Portable electric power hubs are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
9,088,088, 9,176,531, 9,219,341, 9,543,770, 9,618,971 and US
D739,355.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention sets forth a unique and novel portable
electric power hub that comprises a housing that includes a base
section having a perimeter that is defined by a plurality of
straight edges that are joined by a first plurality of rounded
corners. The portable electric power hub further includes an
intermediate section that includes a plurality of sides that are
joined together by a second plurality of rounded corners. Each side
of the intermediate section is adjacent to and aligned with a
corresponding one of the plurality of straight edges of the base
section and each of the second plurality of rounded corners is
adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the first
plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub
further includes an upper section including a plurality of
angulated sides joined by a third plurality of rounded corners.
Each angulated side is adjacent to and angulated with respect to a
corresponding one of the plurality of sides of the intermediate
section and each of the third plurality or rounded corners is
adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the second
plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub
further includes at least one electric power receptacle positioned
on the housing.
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the base
section has six straight edges and six rounded corners.
[0007] Certain features and advantages of the present invention
have been generally described in this summary section. However,
additional features, advantages and embodiments are presented
herein or will be apparent to one of ordinary skill of the art in
view of the drawings, specification and claims hereof. Accordingly,
it should be understood that the scope of the invention shall not
be limited by the particular embodiments disclosed in this summary
section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] References will be made to embodiments of the invention,
examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures.
These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.
Although the invention is generally described in the context of
these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended
to limit the scope of the invention to these particular
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable electric power
hub in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the portable electric power
hub;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of the portable electric power hub;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the portable electric power
hub;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the portable electric power
hub;
[0014] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an upper section of the
housing of the portable electric power hub, the view showing the
exterior surface of the upper section;
[0015] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the interior of the upper
section of the housing;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the interior of
the upper section of the housing;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an intermediate section of
the housing, the view showing the intermediate section right side
up;
[0018] FIG. 9A is another perspective view of the intermediate
section of the housing, the view showing the intermediate section
right side up;
[0019] FIG. 9B is another perspective view of the intermediate
section of the housing, the view showing the intermediate section
upside down so as to facilitate viewing of electronic circuit
boards having USB female sockets connected thereto;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a portable electric power hub
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the portable electric power
hub of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0022] As used herein, "electric power receptacle" shall include
any receptacle that provides an AC (alternating current) or DC
(direct current) voltage and includes AC electric power receptacles
that provide 110-115 VAC, DC voltage receptacles or ports and USB
female sockets that are that used to charge communication devices
such as smart phones, tablets, PDAs, etc. The USB female sockets
include Twin USB Type-A Female Sockets.
[0023] As used herein, "work surface" shall include the top surface
of an article of furniture such as a desktop, tabletop, work bench,
work station or conference table.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown portable electric
power hub 20 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Electric power hub 20 includes base section 22,
intermediate section 24 and upper section 26. In an exemplary
embodiment, base section 22 has a perimeter defined by six straight
edges 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 joined by rounded corners 42, 44,
46, 48, 50 and 52. Base section 22 includes top side 60 and bottom
side 62. Base section 22 includes a plurality of vertically
upstanding hollow posts 64 that are attached to top side 60. In one
embodiment, vertically upstanding hollow posts 64 are integrally
formed as part of base section 22. Each vertically upstanding post
64 has an interior region and an opening 66 that leads to the
interior region. Base section 22 includes a plurality of
through-holes, each of which being aligned with a corresponding
vertically oriented post 64. Each through-hole leads to the
interior region of the corresponding vertically oriented post 64
and is sized for receiving a corresponding screw 70 (see FIG. 4).
Each screw 70 has a predetermined length such that it extends from
opening 66.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, base section 22 further includes
recessed area 80. In an exemplary embodiment, each recessed areas
80 has a substantially rectangular shape. The formation of each
recessed area 80 in base section 22 results in corresponding
protruding portions 81 on bottom side 62. In an exemplary
embodiment, each protruding portion 81 includes an exterior flat
surface. Base section 22 includes bosses 83, 84 and 85 that are
integral with base section 22. In an exemplary embodiment, base
section 22 is molded plastic and bosses 83, 84 and 85 are formed
during the molding process that forms base section 22. Boss 83
includes notch 83A. Boss 84 includes notch 84A. Similarly, boss 85
includes notch 85A. Bosses 83, 84 and 85 are not utilized in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5. However, the purpose and function of
bosses 83, 84 and 85 is described in the ensuing description with
respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10. Referring back to FIGS.
2 and 4, a relatively pliable material 86 is attached to the
exterior flat surface of each protruding portion 81. Suitable
pliable material 86 may be fabricated from materials such as
rubber, resin, etc. The pliable material 86 contacts a work surface
without causing any damage or surface abrasions to the work
surface. In an exemplary embodiment, pliable material 86 is
removably attached to the exterior flat surface of each protruding
portion 81.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, base section 22 includes
electrical cable harness 100 which is sized to fit around a portion
of electrical cable 400. Base section 22 further includes raised
portion 102 that defines through-hole 106 which extends through the
thickness of base section 22 and raised portion 102. Threaded nut
108 is firmly positioned within through-hole 106. This
configuration provides a user with the option of attaching portable
electric power hub 20 to a work surface. In order to take advantage
of this option, the user must first drill a hole through the work
surface. The user then inserts a threaded screw through the drilled
hole from the bottom of the work surface. The user then must align
portable electric power hub 20 with the drilled hole so the
threaded screw enters through-hole 106 and becomes threadedly
engaged with threaded nut 108. The user rotates the threaded screw
until portable electric power hub 20 is firmly positioned on the
work surface.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 8 and 9A and 9B, intermediate
section 24 includes exterior surface 120 that comprises a plurality
of straight sides 122A-F and a plurality of rounded corners 124A-F.
In an exemplary embodiment, each side 122A-F is substantially
vertically oriented. Intermediate section 24 includes top side 130
and bottom side 132. Intermediate section 24 includes a plurality
of upstanding hollow posts 134 that are on top side 130. In one
embodiment, posts 134 are attached to top side 130. In another
embodiment, posts 134 are integrally formed with intermediate
section 24. Each post 134 has top opening 140 that leads to the
hollow interior of post 134 and bottom opening 142 that allows
entry into the hollow interior region. Each bottom opening 142 is
sized to receive a corresponding vertically upstanding post 64 of
base section 22. Thus, when intermediate section 24 is mounted to
base section 22, each vertically upstanding post 64 is inserted
through bottom opening 142 of a corresponding upstanding post 134
and into the hollow interior region of that upstanding post 134.
Each upstanding post 134 includes an alignment structure 144 which
facilitates aligning each post 134 with a corresponding threaded
screw-receiving member 150 that is attached to the interior side
160 of upper section 26 (see FIG. 6B). The purpose of screw
receiving members 150 is discussed in the ensuing description. In
an exemplary embodiment, each alignment structure 144 is generally
semi-circular in shape. This particular shape facilitates placement
and alignment of a corresponding screw receiving member 150 so as
to allow screws 70 to be inserted through upstanding post members
64 and 134 and into threaded screw inlets of screw-receiving
members 150 in order to attach or join base section 22,
intermediate section 24 and upper section 26 together.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 5, 8, 9A and 9B, intermediate section 24
further includes electrical circuit board covers structures 200,
202 and 204. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8,
electrical circuit board cover structures 200, 202 and 204 extend
radially from the center of intermediate section 24. Electrical
circuit board cover structure 200 includes air vents 206, wire
through-holes 208 and electrical wire terminal retainer 210.
Electrical wire terminal 216 is removably secured within electrical
wire terminal retainer 210. Similarly, electrical circuit board
cover structure 202 includes air vents 220, wire through-holes 222
and electrical wire terminal retainer 224. Electrical wire terminal
230 is removably secured within electrical wire terminal retainer
224. Electrical circuit board cover structure 204 includes air
vents 232 and wire through-holes 234. In this embodiment,
electrical circuit board cover structure 204 does not have a
corresponding electrical wire terminal retainer as does electrical
circuit cover structures 200 and 202. Intermediate section 24
further includes air vents 240, the purpose of which is described
in the ensuing description.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 9B, there is shown intermediate section 24
in upside down position. Intermediate section 24 further includes
electrical circuit boards 250, 252 and 254. Electrical circuit
board 250 is attached to bottom side 132 and positioned under
electrical circuit board cover structure 200. Electrical wires (not
shown) are electrically connected to electrical circuit board 250
and pass through wire through-holes 208. Electrical circuit board
252 is attached to bottom side 132 and positioned under electrical
circuit board cover structure 202. Electrical wires (not shown) are
electrically connected to electrical circuit board 252 and pass
through wire through-holes 222. Similarly, electrical circuit board
254 is attached to bottom side 132 and positioned under electrical
circuit board cover structure 204. Electrical wires (not shown) are
electrically connected to electrical board 254 and pass through
wire through-holes 234. In an exemplary embodiment, electrical
circuit boards 250, 252 and 254 are screwed via screws 270 to
threaded inlets in upstanding posts or standoffs (not shown) that
are attached to or integral with bottom side 132 of intermediate
section 24. However, it is to be understood that other techniques
maybe used to attach electrical circuit boards 250, 252 and 254 to
bottom side 132. Heat generated by electrical circuit boards 250,
252 and 254 passes through air vents 206, 220 and 232,
respectively. This heat also passes through air vents 240 (see FIG.
5).
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 5, 8 and 9B, each electrical circuit
board 250, 252 and 254 includes an electric power receptacle 300,
302 and 304, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, each
electric power receptacle comprises dual USB female sockets. In
such an embodiment, each electrical circuit board 250, 252 and 254
comprises electrical circuitry that converts 110-120 VAC to a DC
voltage suitable for charging wireless communication devices such
as smart phones, tablets, PDAs, etc. This DC voltage is available
at each of the dual USB female sockets. In one embodiment, the dual
USB female sockets are configured as dual USB Type-A Female
Sockets. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B, each USB female socket is
accessible through a corresponding opening in one of the sides of
the intermediate section 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, side
122A has openings 350A and 350B that allow access to the USB female
sockets of electric power receptacle 300 of electrical circuit
board 250. Similarly, in FIG. 9B, side 122E has openings 352A and
352B that allow access to the USB female sockets of electrical
power receptacle 302 of electrical circuit board 252. Electrical
circuit board 254 also includes electrical power receptacle 304
which has dual USB female sockets that are aligned with
corresponding openings (not shown) in side 122C of intermediate
section 24.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, intermediate section 24
includes electrical cable 400 which contains "hot", "neutral" and
electrical ground wires as is known in the art. Electrical cable
400 includes male plug 402 which is adapted to be electrically
connected to a source of AC electric power. Intermediate section 24
further includes upstanding posts 404 that are attached to or
integrally formed with bottom side 132. Each post 404 has threaded
inlets for receiving screws 406. Clamp member 410 has through-holes
for receiving screws 406. When screws 406 are inserted through the
through-holes of clamp member 410 and threadedly engage the
threaded inlets of posts 404, clamp member 410 presses against
electrical cable 400 so as to provide strain relief.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 6A, 6B and 7, upper section 26
includes a plurality of straight sides 500A-F and round curves
502A-F, top exterior side 504 and interior side 505. Straight sides
500A-F are aligned with and adjacent to straight sides 122A-F,
respectively, of intermediate section 24. Each rounded corner
502A-F is aligned with and adjacent to a corresponding rounded
corner 124A-F, respectively, of intermediate section 24. In an
exemplary embodiment, straight sides 500A-F are angulated inward
with respect to straight sides 122A-F, respectively, as shown in
FIGS. 1-3. In one exemplary embodiment, the degree of angulation of
each straight side 500A-F is about 30 degrees. In another exemplary
embodiment, the degree of angulation of each straight side 500A-F
is 45 degrees. However, it is to be understood that other degrees
of angulation are possible. Screw receiving members 150 are
attached to and upwardly extend from interior side 505. In another
embodiment, screw receiving members 150 are integrally formed with
interior side 505.
[0033] Upper section 26 includes electrical connector retainers
550, 552 and 554 which all have the same structure. Electrical
connector retainer 550 includes side walls 560 and 562. The space
between side walls 560 and 562 is sized to allow an electrical
connector 570 to be frictionally positioned between sidewalls 560
and 562. Such a configuration allows electrical connector 570 to be
removed from electrical connector retainer 550. Similarly,
electrical connector 572 is frictionally positioned within
electrical connector retainer 552. Similarly, electrical connector
574 is frictionally positioned within electrical connector retainer
554.
[0034] Upper section 26 includes AC electric power receptacles 610,
612 and 614. In an exemplary embodiment, AC electric power
receptacles 610, 612 and 614 are mounted to alternate sides of
upper section 26. For example, AC electric power receptacle 610 is
mounted or attached to side 500B, AC electric power receptacle 612
is mounted to or attached to side 500D and AC electric power
receptacle 614 is mounted or attached to side 500F. In an exemplary
embodiment, each AC electric power receptacle 610, 612 and 614
includes resilient tabs that allow each AC electric power
receptacle 610, 612 and 614 to be snapped into place within a
corresponding opening in one of the sides of upper section 26. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 7, AC electric power receptacle
610 includes resilient tabs 800 and an additional resilient tab
(not shown) that is on the other side of AC electric power
receptacle 610 which allow AC electric power receptacle 610 to be
snapped into place within opening 900 in side 500B. Specifically,
once AC electrical power receptacle 610 is snapped in place,
resilient tabs 800 abut frame 802. In an exemplary embodiment,
frame 802 is integral with upper section 26. In another embodiment,
frame 802 is attached to the interior surface of upper section 26.
Similarly, AC electric power receptacle 612 includes resilient tabs
804 and an additional tab (not shown) that is on the other side of
AC electric power receptacle 612 which allow AC electric power
receptacle 612 to be snapped into place within a corresponding
opening in side 500D of upper section 26. Once AC electric power
receptacle 612 is snapped into place, resilient tabs 804 abut frame
806 which may be integrally formed with upper section 26 or
attached to the interior surface of upper section 26. Similarly, AC
electric power receptacle 614 includes resilient tabs 808 and a
third resilient tab (not shown) on the other side of AC electric
power receptacle 614 that allow AC electric power receptacle 614 to
be snapped into place within a corresponding opening in side 500F
of upper section 26. Once AC electric power receptacle 614 is
snapped into place, resilient tabs 808 abut the corresponding frame
(not shown but similar to frames 802 and 806). The aforementioned
resilient tabs on the AC electric power receptacles allow the AC
electric power receptacles to be removably attached or mounted to
upper section 26. Other techniques may be used to removably attach
or mount the AC electric power receptacles to upper portion 26. In
another embodiment, the AC electrical power receptacles are rigidly
attached to upper section 26.
[0035] The "hot", "neutral" and electrical ground wires contained
within electrical cable 400, and additional wires (not shown)
internal to portable electric power hub 20 and electrical wire
connectors 216, 230, 570, 572 and 574 form a wiring network that
provides 110-120 VAC to AC electric power receptacles 610, 612 and
614, and electrical circuits 250, 252 and 254.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown portable electric power
hub 1000 in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. Portable electric power hub 1000 comprises a housing
which comprises base section 22, intermediate section 1004 and
upper section 26. Base section 22 has already been described herein
and is therefore not described in detail. Upper section 26 includes
AC power receptacles 610, 612 and 614. Upper section 26 has already
been described herein and is therefore not described in detail.
Section 1004 includes electrical circuit board covers 1020, 1022
and 1024 which are similar to electric circuit board covers 200,
202 and 204 shown in FIG. 8 except electrical circuit board covers
1020, 1022 and 1024, and the corresponding electrical circuit
boards (not shown), are arranged laterally with respect to the
center point of intermediate section 1004. Such a configuration
shifts the position of the dual USB female sockets. Specifically,
the dual USB female sockets are now located at one end of the
straight side adjacent to a rounded corner. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 10 and 11, dual USB female sockets 1030 and 1032 are
positioned at one end of straight side 1050 near rounded corner
1052. Electrical cable 1100 has the same configuration and function
as cable 400. Bosses 83, 84 and 85 of each recessed area 80 support
the electrical circuit boards (not shown) that are housed within
laterally oriented circuit board covers 1020, 1022 and 1024.
Specifically, notches 83A, 84A and 85A of bosses 83, 84 and 85,
respectively, receive corresponding portions of the electrical
circuit board (not shown) thereby providing support to the
electrical circuit board.
[0037] Any one of a variety of suitable materials may be used to
fabricate portable electric power hubs 20 and 1000, e.g. plastic,
resin, rubber, PVC, metal, composite materials, etc.
[0038] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the
illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above
teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
applications so as to thereby enable others skilled in the art to
best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *